Owning a Boat: A Handy Guide for First-Time Owners
Owning your first watercraft can be exciting, yet also challenging. The first time you get behind the wheel of your boat and head out onto the water, the feeling is like none other in the world. Before you do, however, there are a few things you should know. Our team at The Harbor (Boat & Yacht Sales) has worked with thousands of new boat owners, at our Branson, Missouri, location. We serve all of Springfield and Kansas City, Missouri and we can't wait to help you get the boat of your dreams.
Get Insured
Before you take your first trip on your new boat, it is vital that you have the right amount and type of insurance for your vehicle. There are a million things that can affect the performance of your boat, so it pays to get insurance before you ever take it out of the marina. If you are going to trailer your boat, be sure to ensure the trailer vehicle as well.
Learn to Transport Your Boat
Most new owners find learning to trailer their boat a challenge that takes a few tries to perfect. Never fear, you will get the hang of it with practice. Make sure that your vehicle has the correct towing capacity for the boat you are planning to buy. You will need to factor in not only the weight of the boat and the truck but the equipment you will carry as well. Your sales associate will have this information and can help you to select a boat that will fit with your existing tow vehicle.
Learn to Launch Your Boat
There is an art and a skill to launching your boat, and like everything else, it may take a few tries for you to get this right. The first time you launch, it may help to go during one of the slower periods so you can have more room for trial and error. There are a few rules of "boat etiquette," that you will want to know before you go so as not to annoy other boaters.
Learn to Maintain Your Boat
Boats need regular maintenance, and if your marina doesn't include regular maintenance, you will have to perform it yourself. Learn how to wash your boat, when your propellers will need replacing, and when to change the oil. By keeping your boat maintained, you can avoid expensive repairs down the road.
At The Harbor (Boat & Yacht Sales), we love helping new boaters get into the boats of their dreams. We are located in Branson and serve Springfield and Kansas City, Missouri. Stop into our showroom and take a test drive today.